My name is Mita,


This is my very first blog. In fact, I have never felt the need to use any form of social media before. Normally, I am a very private person, perhaps even a little introverted. However, today I feel compelled to use this form of social media to bring awareness to an issue that is very close to my heart and probably also to many of you out there.

Elder Abuse

15th of June  is the International Elder Abuse Awareness Day 


Every year, there are millions of victims of physical, psychological, financial, and other forms of elder abuse and neglect.


“According to the US’s National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), only 1 out of every 14 cases of elder abuse is reported.  This probably has much to do with the fact that the majority of the time, the elderly are abused by their family members. ”

                                    -Amber Paley (The Scavenger March 2012)

Elderly adults are just as vulnerable as young children.  Most people would agree, that with the progression of age, elderly adults, more often than not become quite childlike again. With age, the elderly become increasingly physically and emotionally dependent. 

If one were to see or know of a young child being mistreated or abused in anyway, by an adult in the position where there is an expectancy of trust for example: carer, teacher, doctor, or family member, it is most likely that this abuse would not go unnoticed. Rather, it would be brought to the attention of the police or other appropriate authorities.

Why is it that when the victim is an elderly adult that one is more likely to ignore and turn a blind eye to the incident? Even when our young children behave badly, culture and society dictate to us to be patient, nurturing and caring.  Why is our behavior then different towards elderly adults?

What is Elder Abuse?

       'A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person'.

           
           -  http://www.elderabuse.org.uk/abuse.html